I’m thrilled to announce that THRIVEGulu, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building and operating a trauma healing and rehabilitation center in Gulu, Uganda, raised more than $72,000 during its launch gala in San Francisco!

THRIVE, formerly THARCE-Gulu, was founded in 2010 by Suffolk University professor Judy Dushku. Its original goal: to assist the communities of Northern Uganda to heal from the traumatic events of war, sexual enslavement, extreme poverty and lost opportunities.

THRIVE has already had an impact on northern Uganda through its Ugandan-led workshops and courses, including computer literacy, women’s empowerment and art programs. But the goal is to build a center in the heart of Northern Uganda that the Ugandans can use permanently for education, rehab and community programs. And once it has perfected the model in Uganda, THRIVE hopes to bring new centers to other African communities in need.

That’s why THRIVE decided to step up its fundraising efforts, starting with a very successful launch gala that THRIVE board member Eliza Dushku and I co-hosted with famed director Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, The Avengers). More than 150 members of the technology community came out in support of THRIVE’s efforts.

Between ticket sales for the event and the silent auction, THRIVE was able to raise more than $72,000. Thank you to everyone who donated to THRIVE, and thank you to everybody who helped make the event an incredible success. So many people volunteered their time, energy and networks to help THRIVE make waves in the tech community and beyond. Thank you Sabrina, Shirley, Brett, Hooman, Brooke, Shira, Randi, Rick, Redg and the dozens of others who made this event happen.

This is just the beginning, though. THRIVE is going to make a huge impact with these donations, but it still needs more to make the center a reality. So please, tell your friends about the charity, ask them to donate, and check out the THRIVE fundraiser on eBay. And don’t forget to follow THRIVE on Twitter, THRIVE on Facebook and check out the THRIVE website.

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My heart is still full of gratitude to you and the team you organized in San Francisco for THRIVE! I know I speak for friends in Gulu, Uganda, too. We all benefit from what you pulled off. Thanks again.

Geoffrey Ok

Thanks to you Eliza and your wonderful Mum Judy. Thanks to Jim and the rest of the team that worked very hard to raise that money. Lots of Love.

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Hi! I'm the author of Captivology: The Science of Capturing People's Attention and an early-stage venture capital investor. I also advise brands on attention and growth, and I write a weekly column for Inc. I'm the former Editor of Mashable and a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30.